Big Dipper

“Big Dipper” is one more track from a mix CD that I received recently. I’ve never been a big fan of Cracker, but this song really works for me. I love the spare arrangement, especially the acoustic piano and steel guitar, but mostly I like this song because of the lyrics and because of David Lowery’s delivery of them.

Cigarette and carrot juice
And get yourself a new tattoo
for those sleeveless days of June
I’m sitting on the Cafe Xeno’s steps
with a book I haven’t started yet
watching all the girls walk by

Could I take you out
I’ll be yours without a doubt
on that big dipper
And if the sound of this it frightens you
we could play it real cool
and act somewhat indifferent

And hey June why did you have to come,
why did you have to come around so soon
I wasn’t ready for all this nature
The terrible green green grass,
and violent blooms of flowered dresses
and afternoons that make me sleepy

But we could wait awhile
before we push that dull turnstile
into the passage
The thousands they had tread
and others sometimes fled
before the turn came

And we could wait our lives
before a chance arrives
before the passage
From the top you can see Monterey
or think about San Jose
though I know it’s not that pleasant

And hey Jim Kerouac
brother of the famous Jack
or so he likes to say “lucky bastard”
He’s sitting on the cafe Xeno’s steps
with a girl I’m not over yet
watching all the world go by

Boy you are looking bad
Did I make you feel that sad
I’m honestly flattered
But if she asks me out
I’ll be hers without a doubt
on that big dipper

Cigarettes and carrot juice
and get yourself a new tattoo
for those sleeveless days of June
I’m sitting on the cafe Xeno’s steps
I haven’t got the courage yet,
I haven’t got the courage yet,
I haven’t got the courage yet